Raspberry Swirl Shortbread Cookies (Printable)

Buttery shortbread with tangy raspberry jam swirls. Crisp edges, soft centers. Perfect for teatime or homemade gifts.

# What Goes In:

→ Shortbread Dough

01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Filling & Topping

06 - 1/3 cup raspberry jam or preserves
07 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar for dusting, optional

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, cream softened butter with powdered sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly to combine.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined without overworking the dough.
05 - Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape into a log approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm.
06 - Slice chilled dough into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Place on prepared baking sheets, spacing 1 inch apart.
07 - Using the back of a teaspoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cookie.
08 - Spoon approximately 1/2 teaspoon of raspberry jam into each indentation, being careful not to overfill.
09 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
10 - Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11 - Once fully cooled, dust with granulated sugar if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between crumbly shortbread and glossy jam makes every bite feel like a small celebration.
  • You can make the dough ahead and slice it straight from the fridge when company shows up unexpectedly.
02 -
  • If your butter is even slightly cold, the dough will be grainy and the cookies won't spread evenly, so give it time to soften.
  • Chilling the dough is not optional, warm dough turns into a sticky mess and loses its shape in the oven.
03 -
  • Press the indentations while the dough is still cold, warm dough will stick to your spoon and lose its shape.
  • If the jam starts to bubble over in the oven, don't panic, it will harden into a sweet crisp edge as it cools.
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